Mangochi, 01 April, 2022 / 9:20 PM
The Catholic Bishop of Mangochi Diocese in Malawi has extended “fraternal good wishes” to Muslims in the Southeastern African nation as they begin the Holy Month of Ramadan, which culminates in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast.
In his Friday, April 1 Message, Bishop Montfort Stima expresses optimism that the holy month of Ramadan will be “rich in divine blessings” for the Muslims in Malawi.
“As the Catholic Church is in the Holy Season of Lent, I wish to register our fraternal good wishes as you begin the month of Ramadan while looking forward to Eid al-Fitr,” Bishop Stima says.
The Malawian Catholic Bishop implores, “May this year's Ramadan be a month rich in divine blessings and spiritual advancement for you as you lead a life of self-correction through fasting, prayer, almsgiving, and other devotions.”
This year’s holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin on April 2 and last until May 3.
In his April 1 message, Bishop Stima says the holy month of Ramadan comes at a time when the country is still facing some challenges, including the effects of the coronavirus and the tropical storms.
“While we are still fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been hit by Cyclone Ana and economic hardships,” the 64-year-old Malawian Bishop laments.
He adds, “This is the best time for us to turn to God for His providence and show our fraternal solidarity in times of crisis.”
“I wish to thank all those who promptly reacted by showing the utmost signs of solidarity in supporting the victims of the recent floods in our diocese,” Bishop Stima says.
Christians and Muslims, the Local Ordinary of Mangochi Diocese says, “are called to be bearers of hope, for the present life and for the life to come, and to be witnesses, restorers, and builders of this hope, especially for those experiencing difficulties and despair.”
He addresses himself to Muslims in the Southern African nation saying, “On behalf of all Priests, Religious Sisters, Brothers, and lay Catholics in our Diocese, I assure you of our prayers and we send you best wishes for a peaceful and fruitful Ramadan, and for a joyful Eid al-Fitr.”
“May this month of Ramadan enhance our witnessing to God's mercy and providence and to live in human fraternity,” the Malawian Catholic Bishop in his April 1 message to Muslims in Malawi.
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